May 21^st, 2002 (12:00am) - May 21, 2002--Rockstar Games, the world-renowned
publishing division of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:
TTWO), proudly announces Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, the follow-up to
the global blockbuster title Grand Theft Auto 3.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is the latest installment in the
gaming franchise that has exceeded 11 million units in total sales
to-date. It will be available exclusively for PlayStation2 and is
expected to hit retail shelves in the United States on October 22nd.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City will surpass the unprecedented
gameplay, cinematic graphics and immersive audio experience that
gamers associate with Grand Theft Auto 3, which was released in
October 2001 and has rapidly become the fastest selling, highest
grossing game for PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system
to-date, with global sales exceeding 6 million units. Rockstar Games
will release additional information about the game’s content in July,
but the following details are clear: It’s an entirely new game set in
the ’80s, the location is Vice City, and the vibe is glamour, power
and corruption...
Sam Houser, the executive producer of the Grand Theft Auto
franchise and president of Rockstar Games, commented, "The success of
Grand Theft Auto 3 has made us very proud, but it has also motivated
us enormously. The work currently being done by our development and
production teams in Edinburgh and New York is going to surpass the
efforts of last year, as we set our sights on making an even more
revolutionary gaming experience. This will be reflected in the size of
the game, the scope of the gameplay, the extent of the gameplayer’s
freedom, the quality of production value and the all-important sense
of style."
Les Benzies, the producer of Grand Theft Auto games, noted,
"Although it may appear to be a challenge to develop a game superior
to Grand Theft Auto 3, our progress to date on Vice City makes me
highly confident that we can deliver a truly innovative game."
Kelly Sumner, Take-Two Interactive Software’s Chief Executive
Officer added, "Grand Theft Auto 3 has become the "must-have" title
for PlayStation(R)2 and is appropriately regarded as a landmark in
interactive entertainment. We are delighted with the plans for Vice
City, and are totally committed to supporting Rockstar’s creative
efforts and investing in the development and marketing approach that
made Grand Theft Auto 3 such a tremendous success."